Stoker-Stampfli Farm Maintenance

The farm is constantly being maintained, repaired, and updated. It is constant work to keep things working and in good repair. The South Cumberland Community Fund and the City of Gruetli-Laager have provided funds to have 6 new windows made for the upper floor to match the original design, 3 in the front and 3 in the back. The lumber has been dried and the society is waiting for the construction to be completed. It is a very important part of the house preservation.

Grant Projects

Through a grant of $12,500 from the Tennessee Museum Grants Program, several projects have been in the works. The porch repair has been completed, as well as, the replacement and repair of fascias on the house. Mitigation of the mold and installation of a plastic vapor barrier under the caretaker cottage are complete. Powder post beetles on the barn and other structures have been treated and will be done again for complete remediation. Projects include a new roof on the wine and cheese shed as well as new shutters.

Family Gifts

The Grundy County Swiss Historical Society was recently notified by the executor of the Ernest Stampfli of Nashville estate that there were items that should go to the Stoker-Stampfli Farm Museum. The son, Frank, who had moved to the family home to be with his mother, passed away in January. The other son, Fritz, is living in a care facility. We received antique chairs, farm implements, shop tools and some personal effects.

Log Cabin

For the past 10 years we have hoped to one day rebuild the little log structure which we believe to have been the first lodging place of the Anton Stoker family prior to the main house being built when they established the farm in 1869. It is still a dream.

Historic Farm Marker

As you enter the gate to the farm, there is a new historic marker. The South Cumberland Tourism Partnership has installed 18 historic markers throughout the South Cumberland area including one for the historic Stoker-Stampfli Farm.

Swiss Colony Cemetery

Remember that the Swiss Colony Cemetery is an integral part of the Colony of Gruetli history. Many of those who are related to Gruetli Swiss Colony families may have relatives buried there.

Gruetli School Marker

Some may not have noticed before that there is also a marker next to the cemetery that lists the names of the teachers who taught at the Gruetli school and church that was once located there.

Old Gruetli Post Office

We were told this week that the Old Gruetli Post Office building is to be given to the Society. We plan to move it the Stoker-Stampfli Farm Property.

Send donations to:

Grundy County Swiss Historical Society

P.O. Box 496 Gruetli-Laager, TN 37339